finding hope

This morning I went to the local Christian book store to get a new cd. Matt and I collect those stickers on the front of the cds, allowing us every once in a while to get a free cd. Today was the day to cash them in. While I was there, I figured I would look at the devotional materials to see if there was anything interesting to work through, dealing with infertility. I looked through what seemed to be endless devotionals on how to raise your children, how to be the mother for your family … NOTHING for women challenged with infertility. I know there are many women around the world, even some close friends, who struggle with infertility or fertility struggles and not a single book lay on the shelf for someone like us. The message that jumped to my head was once again the thought of struggling through this alone.

Now I can’t say it has been just the Christian Bookstore here. However, in general there seems to be endless blogs just like this one and many people sharing on chats about their experience but very few (updated) christian literature, devotionals etc. on infertility.

There is one book I already own that talks about infertility and the daily struggle. Immediately, God placed on my heart the stories of Hannah, Sarah, Abimilech’s wife, Rachel, Manoah’s wife, Michal and Elizabeth from the Bible. All of these women that God mentions in his word that yearned for a child. What an awesome sign from God that he knows my pains.

As a daughter of God I have to admit that facing this struggle has challenged my faith. Why would God not want to bless us with a family, where we would be able to share our love of our Father and raise our children in a Christian home. A couple in desperate want for a child, while others is a disappointment.

Fortunately, my God is faithful. My God is true, and even though I struggle daily with the thought of "when will it be our time?" I know that God has placed a special man in my life to go through this struggle with. To be able to weep with, pray with and continue to live life with.

As far as a devotional, I have decided to work my way through the book of 1 Samuel. Walking beside Hannah as she expresses her longings and look forward to sharing with you through this blog.

#books #hannah #hope #bible #christian